Ms. Legal's IDT Information Source

30 Days Has September

2011-09-30T07:46:00.000-05:00

According to PrivacyRights.org, there have been data security breaches of 23,422,538 Records from 427 breaches which were made public this year. 40 breaches have occurred between September 1, 2011 to September 28, 2011.
This is not the total for September as there are a few reported data losses that have not made it to the list yet, like the 4.9 million loss of military Tricare records.

This month contains numerous healthcare losses and quite a few military veterans facility losses. In addition, a CD from the U.S. Army, containing retiree information was lost in the mail between Alexandria, Virginia and San Antonio, Texas.

No agency is safe as there was also a breach of a Police Chief Association in Texas and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) in Virginia.

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An employee of McDonalds and a group of friends, used stolen credit card numbers to make $50,000 in purchases.

Higher education did not escape this month either, in addition to the cost of student loans, a compromise of personal information is just another worry for the graduate. Depending on how the theft of the information is used, not only may it affect their income but even their ability to obtain a job if someone committed a crime in their name.

The crime of identity theft will continue to affect all industries and be a neverending concern for everyone. Credit monitoring is a start and will help with financial identity theft. Contact us for details on protecting your identity concerning the other forms of identity theft.

Military Medical Identity Theft

2011-09-29T12:13:00.000-05:00

In May, Ms. Legal blogged "So Much for Your Promises", a data security loss of the Tricare system in Colorado. TRICARE is the health care program serving Uniformed Service members, retirees and their families worldwide.

On September 28, 2011, yet another Tricare system has been breached.

Government Info Security reported a data security loss of 4.9 million patients in San Antonio Texas military treatment facilities due to backup tapes for electronic health records not being encrypted.

TRICARE reports that the tapes contained Social Security numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers and some personal health data, such as clinical notes, lab tests and prescriptions.

Contact us for up to date data breaches which may affect you.

Legal Shield

2011-09-22T09:35:00.001-05:00

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Medical Data Breaches

2011-07-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

Since June 30, 2011, there have been ten reported data security breaches, eight of those breaches were exposed from the medical community, according to Privacy Rights. Following is a list of those breaches:

June 30, 2011 - Blue Cross Blue Shield - An April 2011 mailing error caused 3,500 member healthcare statements to be mailed to incorrect addresses.

July 1, 2011 - Concord Hospital, New Hampshire - An audit of Concord's system revealed that an employee accessed the records of 40 patients without proper authorization.

July 3, 2011 - Navos Mental Health Solutions, Washington - 2700 paper records with sensitive information were misplaced, stolen, or improperly accessed sometime around March 15, 2011.

July 3, 2011 - Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, Arizona - 2000 patient dietician treatment cards were discovered missing.

July 3, 2011 - Barnes-Jewish Hospital, The Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, Montana - A laptop containing unencrypted patient information was stolen during the weekend of December 4, 2010.

July 5, 2011 - Sutter Gould Medical Foundation (SGMF), California - Around 1,200 patient records were misplaced on May 27 and were buried in a landfill.

July 7, 2011 - Troy Regional Medical Center (TRMC), Alabama - TRMC discovered that someone had removed paper records that contained the information of approximately 880 patients.

July 7, 2011 - Hurley Medical Center - Michigan - A laptop was discovered missing in May. It was held in a locked room in Hurley, but it was not encrypted or password protected. 1,938 records.

As many as 500,000 Americans have been victims of medical identify theft, says the World Privacy Forum. Medical ID theft can cost the victim thousands of dollars, constant stress, incorrect medical histories, and even the threat of loss of life.

Electronic medical records (EMR) is another concern for medical ID theft. EMR is a computerized medical record created on a patient in an organization that delivers care, such as a hospital and doctor's surgery. Electronic medical records tend to be a part of a local stand-alone health information system that allows storage, retrieval and modification of records. Privacy Rights Chronology of Data Breaches show that most thefts are physical and portable, such as a laptop, also reported in Mass Device.

Teachers Beware

2011-06-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

In April 2011, the Texas Comptroller's Office reported a data security loss by their office of the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), Employee Retirement System (ERS), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). A data exposure reported June 16, 2011, has again placed teachers in the TRS in jeopardy.

Star Telegram reported that a retired principal exposed a flaw in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. The article goes on to say that TRS had used a window-style envelope. The principal's name, address and account number were visible through the front window. Anyone who handled the letter could use that information to steal from her.

Data losses are happening daily, protection of personal information needs to be more guarded by institutions who hold sensitive information.

The Year 2011 So Far Has 267 Of These

2011-06-17T22:53:00.000-05:00

The year of 2011, from January 1, 2011 to today, June 17, 2011, has 267 reported data breaches. Privacy Rights. org categories breaches by industry and the type of breach. There are seven industry categories and eight type of breach categories.

The industries are:
Businesses - Other
Businesses - Financial and Insurance Services
Businesses - Retail/Merchant
Educational Institutions
Government and Military
Healthcare - Medical Providers
Nonprofit Organization

The type of breaches are:
Unintended disclosure
Hacking or malware
Payment Card Fraud
Insider
Physical loss
Portable device
Stationary device
Unknown or other

Privacy Rights is probably one of the best web sites to stay up to date concerning reported data losses, the key word here is reported.534,232,379 records have been breached to date. Many agencies who experience a data loss fail to report it even though data security losses of information is required by law. Privacy Rights says that number is a running total of the approximate number of records that have been compromised, not necessarily the number of individuals affected. It goes on to say that some individuals may have been a victim in more than one breach.

In the year 2007 there were 452 breaches made public; 2008 there were 354 breaches were made public; 251 breaches were made public in 2009; and in 2010, 597 breaches were made public; Are you somewhere in those numbers?

Got Citibank?

2011-06-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

Citi is famous for their identity theft and fraud commercials, However this month In the latest attack, hackers steal Citibank card data.

Citi has multiple data losses over the years, in March Citibank under fire for not disclosing data breach, Citibank under fire for not disclosing data breach - FierceCIO

In April,Citi was notified of a system breach at Epsilon, a third-party vendor that provides marketing services to a number of companies,including Citi.

Got Citi?

Texas, Not, The Lone Ranger

2011-06-13T11:12:00.001-05:00

Hello Texas. There has been another government data security loss in Texas affecting 4,900 employees by The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. In April, Comptroller Susan Combs, acknowledged that birthdate, driver's license numbers and Social Security numbers of as many as 3.5 million current and former state employees had been published on a publicly accessible website and remained in the public domain for as long as a year.

Personal information is being exposed or compromised daily, there have been 20 data breaches from June 1, 2011 to June 13, 2011. Some of the breaches include:

Burke County Courthouse Morganton, North Carolina, a night custodian made copies of sensitive documents pertaining to criminal cases. He then traded the documents to an outsider in exchange for drugs.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, South Carolina, a renter discovered that an employee had taken over 20 boxes of patient information home.

University of Mary Washington (UMW), Fredericksburg, Virginia, A student discovered student data files on a departmental EagleNet site while searching the EagleNet portal for his own information.

Citibank New York, New York, Hackers have managed to access the information of approximately 1% of Citibank's 21 million users.

The VA Caribbean Healthcare System, San Juan, Puerto Rico, veterans and staff had their personal information left unsecured in an open area in the San Juan VA Medical Center.

Ravenel Elementary School, Seneca, South Carolina, A Memorial Day weekend office burglary resulted in the theft of two laptops and a flash drive which may contain student information.

Identity theft can wreak havoc on a victim's life. Identity theft is rampant, you may do your due diligence but with the losses above, who can be trusted for the safekeeping of personal information?

Credit monitoring is a start but only helps with financial identity theft and not the other common types.

Sorry, You Do Not Meet The Qualifications For This Job

2011-06-01T13:28:00.000-05:00

You a starting to enter the workforce and apply for jobs, or maybe you want to change jobs, start a new career, or simply want to reenter the workforce. eHow Money did an article titled, "How Identity Theft Affects People."

The following events could occur to create an effect, which may not be in your best interest, when it comes to new employment:

Details are stolen and used fraudulently.
ID thief gains cash,information, or services under your name.
Your credit report is affected and a fraudulent entry is made.
Potential employers check your credit report and see this entry.
Potential employers decide not to give you the job, due to the entry.

As you can see, unless you have been keeping an eye on your credit report, identity theft can lead to a number of effects which eventually relate back to employment. Under new federal laws, you are allowed a free credit report every year, one from each of the credit reporting agencies.

The employer reviews your application but will never give you the reason why they chose another candidate over you.

So, if you are having trouble getting employment, maybe you are a victim of identity theft. There is another catch,when applying for a job, think of all that is handed over to the prospective employer, social security numbers, driver's license, date of birth, previous work history, and any professional licenses. After employment, additional personal details are given such as bank account details, and even in some cases - credit card numbers.

The best way to keep an eye on your personal details is to pull a quarterly credit report to check for errors and to have some sort of credit monitoring service. The easiest way to protect your identity is to obtain a reputable identity theft service which monitors your credit with complete restoration and also offers access to an attorney for advice and to have representation for any crimes which may occur in your name.

It Doesn’t Even Matter How Hard You Try

2011-05-25T14:23:00.000-05:00

MSNBC May 23 2011 - How to protect your identity during a disaster
Have copies of important documents safely stashed elsewhere
The MSNBC article has an excellent overview on identity theft and natural disasters. The recommendation of keeping "originals in one place, like a safe deposit box at the bank, and copies in a portable locked box that you can take with you if you have to evacuate" is invaluable.

Rebuilding lives after a natural disaster is tough enough, but no matter how hard you try, if identity theft occurs from that disaster, a victim's life will never be the same and will have a never-ending battle to guard their identity to the end of their time.

So Much For Your Promises

2011-05-23T14:08:00.000-05:00

Many data security losses go unreported or are publicized months or years after first discovery. The promise to protect personal information is virtually impossible for any industry to make and uphold in our present world.

On May 21, 2011, it was released that Military members are again the target of a data breach. TRICARE Management Activity of Colorado reported that 4,500 individuals were affected by a breach involving paper records that occurred on June 25, 2010.

The military has multiple data losses and continues to experience breaches. The most well known breach was May 3,2006, where a data analyst at Veterans Affairs took home a laptop and an external hard drive containing unencrypted information on 26.5 million veterans.

The end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, ended and began with military data security breaches.

A laptop computer containing names and Personally Identifiable
Information for approximately 42,000 Fort Belvoir Morale, Welfare
and Recreation patrons was stolen on November 28th 2009.

On January 14th, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) released that 18,000 recipients of a special pay for disabled retirees, were sent to wrong addressees.The error occurred when the DAPS document duplicating system malfunctioned.

This is one one many breaches first reported a year after it occurred. What is highly disturbing is that there was no media coverage of this one or any statement on a TRICARE site.

Identity theft ruins lives, do a search on youtube or any search engine and see how many lives have been shattered, many of our military members.

Arts & Crafty

2011-05-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

May 13, 2011 - Michaels Stores across the country hit by thieves stealing credit and debit card information through tampered pin-pad machines.Michaels operate specialty retail stores which provide a large assortment of general crafts, home decor items, picture framing materials and services, art and hobby supplies.

KWQC 6 interviewed Stephan Kirkman with Global Security Services. Kirkman says thieves are finding more high-tech ways of stealing information including placing a fake keypad that stores credit card information, over the existing pad.

"When you input your four digit, six digit pin number, it actually pushes the ATM pin number but it is also pushing theirs which then transmits through a GSM, or cell unit, and sends the criminal a text message," said Kirkman.

An example of how pin pad theft may occur, is that the thieves recruit employees to change out the fake pin pad and then walk out with the pad containing the information.

If you use Michaels and are worried about becoming a victim, you can contact them with any questions by calling 1-800-MICHAELS or going to michaels.com.

Identity Theft is Rampant

2011-05-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

Identity theft is the nation's fastest growing crime according to FBI statistics and identity theft/fraud is the fastest-growing category of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints.

As a victim of identity theft, the theft can cause devastating consequences. Victims face long hours of closing bad accounts, opening new ones, and repairing a wrecked credit record. Many people are already victims and are not aware that their identity has been compromised. It may take significant out-of-pocket expenses to clear a victim's name. In the meantime, the victim may be denied jobs, loans, education, housing, and cars, or even get arrested for crimes they did not commit. Unfortunately, the experience of thousands of victims is that it often requires months, and even years, to navigate the frustrating, identity-recovery process.

As with any crime, you can't guarantee that you will never be a victim, but you can minimize your risk. Managing your personal information wisely, however, no matter how well you guard your information,nothing helps when a third party loses or exposures your information. Here are some personal tips to protect your identity:

1. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet.

2. Shred anything that has personal information prior to putting in the trash.

3. If you do not use the pre-screened credit card offers you receive in the mail, you can "opt out" by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567- 8688.

4. Deposit outgoing mail in postal collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox.

5. Limit the amount of personal data you carry around, leave extra credit cards and social security card in a safe place at home.

6. Copy the contents of your purse or wallet in case it is stolen and you need to file a police report.

7. Do not leave insurance card, registration, or anything which has personal information in your car.

These steps can help lessen your chances of becoming a victim of identity fraud, but nothing is a sure thing. The thing to remember is that documents you throw away often have all the information a thief needs to steal your identity and wreak havoc on your life.

Androids

2011-02-03T10:17:00.000-06:00

Are you using Android 2.3 Gingerbread phone? US-based researchers in North Carolina discovered a flaw in the latest Android release, Gingerbread has been on the market a few months. A Gingerbread user could have their device compromised by clicking on a malicious link, which allows viewing of user files. The weakness was supposed to have been patched in Android 2.3, yet there was still a way to bypass the fix.

The researchers suggest users to be cautious when viewing unfamiliar websites. Other suggestions are to disable Javascript and switching to a third-party web browser.

555-555-5555

2011-01-31T13:44:00.002-06:00

In 1981, Tommy Tutone didn't want Jenny to change her 867-5309 phone number. The Time wanted you to call 777-9311 in 1982 because they wanted your phone number. Fast forward to 2011, you just got a call from 555-555-5555.

Caution, 555-555-5555 is a "spoofed" number, which means that whoever called you "tricked" your caller ID to display an incorrect phone number. The number may appear as 555-555-5555 or it may appear as a legitimate number, maybe even displays as a friend's number. The caller ID may also display the name of a state or business. Who spoofs? Bill collectors, hackers, spammers,criminals trying to get your personal information, or anyone who wants you to think that they are calling from some other number rather than their own.

What can you do? Do not press any number that the recording may ask you to press. If there is a live caller, hang up the phone, if there was a name of a company given, you may want to call the company back, if it is someone that you have done business. Type the phone number into a search engine or visit a site like Who Calls Me to input the number to see if there are any write ups about the number. Who Calls Me is a user supplied database of strange phone numbers to callers and also SMS messages. Users may search for numbers and also report numbers.

At Dictionary.com, one definition of "Spoof" is as follows: as to fool by a hoax; play a trick on, esp. one intended to deceive. Well, better let you go for now, your phone is ringing, it's your mother on the phone or so your caller ID says.

Facebook Hacked - Again

2011-01-30T15:57:00.000-06:00

Pogo Was Right reported on January 26,2011 that the social network founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook page was hacked. Weird messages were posted on his official page.

What can you do to stay safe on Facebook? Here are a few tips:

1: Don’t accept friend requests unless you absolutely know who they are and that you would associate with them in person, just like real friends.

2: Post only what you want made public.It's great that old friends can contact you, but now scammers and thieves are accessing the personal information that you post as well.

3: Visit the Privacy and Security Center. Manage your privacy settings. Follow these steps:

1. Read the Facebook Privacy Policy.
2. Visit the Facebook Privacy Help Page.
3. Customize your Facebook Privacy Settings to share only the information that you want shared.
4: Restrict access to search engines.
5: Verify any requests for personal information or money by calling your friend or emailing them at their personal email address.

Keep safe on Facebook and check your privacy settings periodically.

Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide

2011-01-18T15:08:00.004-06:00

Ever heard of Spokeo, if not, check it out. Spokeo most likely has posted your personal information, available to anyone who wants to find you.

Type in your name, also all names of family members to remove them from the Spokeo's listings. Here are the steps to remove your name:

1. Once you are one the site and find your name.
2. Click on your name if it is there. You may have to navigate
several pages by picking your state and city. You need to perform steps 3-9
for each state if you have lived in multiple states.
3. Copy the URL.
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click PRIVACY
5. Paste the URL.
6. Type your email address. I would advise getting an email alias
from hotmail, yahoo, or other free email provider.
7. Type in the code.
8. Check your email for verification of removal and click the link.
9. Return to Spokeo to confirm removal.

Removal of your Spokeo listing from public searches for free. However, the site has a disclaimer that removing your Spokeo listing from public searches does not remove your information from the third-party data sources.

Protect your identity.

How to Recognize a Red Flag

2011-01-04T18:16:00.000-06:00

Evidently, the Senate did not.

In the effort to fight identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission's Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) is in force and has been since 2005. FACTA enforces entities who hold sensitive personal information, such as name , address, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and such, on employees, client, customers to be protected and safeguarded.

The Red Flags Rule is an amendment to FACTA. The Rule was an effort to protect consumers who obtain credit for services they may receive. The Red Flags Rule is now in effect after many delays. The Senate has made it clear that lawyers, doctors, dentists, orthodontists, pharmacists, veterinarians, accountants, nurse practitioners, social workers, other types of health care providers and other service providers will no longer be classified as 'creditors' for the purposes of the Red Flags Rule. The Senate passed S.3987. These industries certainly bill and provide payment plans. The health industry is at the top of the list for identity theft victims in addition to being the most dangerous form of identity theft.

Hopefully these industries will remember that they still fall under FACTA to offer protection to the consumers.

FLASH: Internet Explorer Users

2010-12-27T00:12:00.000-06:00

Microsoft has discovered a vulnerability in all supported versions of Internet Explorer. You may want to use Firefox, Opera, Safari, or another browser.

2010 Year End Checklist

2010-12-24T16:33:00.000-06:00

We are coming to the end of a tough recessionary year, and you are probably more aware than ever that you need to get everything in order. So, as you begin to tackle all those last minute things you do at year-end, here are a few items that should be at the top of your list.

1. Be sure to check your credit and bank statements to ensure the accuracy of holiday purchases. If there is the smallest discrepancy,be sure to question it, as identity thieves usually test accounts that way prior to using them. The thieves also are able to charge multiple accounts with small amounts if they have many credit cards or bank accounts from different victims.

2. Remember to shred personal information. Did you know that your account number is on the order form of the catalogs that you receive?

3. Shred all holiday card envelopes and remind those that you send cards to do the same. Remind your friends that they are prime targets for identity theft if they have rural mailboxes.

4. What personal information did your child leave at college during the holidays?

5. Remove all personal information from your vehicle. Never leave insurance card, registration card, etc. in you car. Especially if you have a garage door opener.

6. After shopping, keep purchases in your vehicle out of sight or in the trunk. Carry nothing on your seats or in the floor.

7. Be aware of IRS fraud through loss or missing mail. Employers must provide W-2 wage and withholding forms to you by January 31st.

Call 888-588-5648 for more information concerning identity theft or situations on you may need to use an an attorney.

CSA 2010 Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP

2010-09-20T07:53:00.005-05:00

PSP contains most recent 5 years of crash data and 3 years of roadside inspection.CSA 2010 is not something commercial drivers can not react to after the fact.They must be pro-active and be prepared!

Motor carriers, trucking companies, and commercial drivers must have a clear understanding of CSA 2010. CSA 2010 replaces SafeStat with a new Safety Measurement System (SMS) that measures the previous two years of roadside violations and crash data. With SMS, every inspection counts, not just out-of-service violations, and both driver and carrier safety performance are monitored. This will affect your driver's driving record and their ability to be employed as a Driver.

The Safety Measurement System (SMS) assesses carriers in each of seven BASICs. Below are the seven BASICS and their corresponding Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts:

- Unsafe Driving (CFR Parts 392 & 397)
- Fatigued Driving (Hours-of-Service (HOS)) (CFR Parts 392 & 395)
- Driver Fitness (CFR Parts 383 & 391)
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol (CFR Parts 382 & 392)
- Vehicle Maintenance (CFR Parts 393 & 396)
- Cargo-Related (CFR Parts 392, 393, 397 & Hazardous Materials)
- Crash Indicator (Reportable Crashes)
A drivers violation history impact a carriers Safety Measurement System (SMS) evaluation.

Carriers are evaluated on inspections and crashes associated with their own DOT number, violations that a driver receives while working for a carrier apply to that carriers SMS evaluation.

How serious is the FMCSA's CSA 2010 for truck drivers and trucking companies? There are 275 Violations with 222 of those violations will go against the driver and the carrier.

Motor carriers, trucking companies, and commercial drivers must be pro-active and be prepared!

The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) process - Motor carriers may request, through NIC Technologies, driver information for the purpose of pre-employment screening. The driver must provide written consent. Individual drivers may request their own driver information record at any time.

At a minimum, be familiar with CSA 2010 "PSP" report (inspections/crashes), DAC Report; and MVR and Criminal/Infraction Reports.

Be safe and be prepared, protect your safety records.

CDL Drivers & CSA 2010

2010-09-19T15:48:00.004-05:00

How serious is the FMCSA's CSA 2010 for truck drivers and trucking companies?

In the matter of CSA 2010, 99% of companies and drivers had no idea what it was and most didn't care.

There has been so much pressure on the trucking industry in the last few years that most people involved in it has developed a wait and see attitude about it.

CSA 2010, starts in November, it is the most serious law to ever hit the trucking industry, good people and their families may suffer because they don't have the knowledge to make decisions about this issue because they got bad or no information at all.

Trucker and motor carriers are the blood of America. I would hate to see Drivers on the side of the road because a Carrier is put out of business due to CSA 2010. Due to this law, certain terms make it possible where Drivers will no longer be able to go from carrier to carrier.

How serious is the FMCSA's CSA 2010 for truck drivers and trucking companies?There are 275 Violations with 222 of those violations will go against the driver and carrier.

CSA 2010 is going to have a major impact on CDL drivers. Drivers can not afford to just take tickets and violations anymore. Points add up against a driver may have an adverse effect on the carrier's safety record.

Also part of CSA 2010 deals with Driver Fitness. It states that a driver’s body mass index (BMI) maybe a risk factor. The concern is not the BMI itself but related medical concerns from increased BMI such as sleep apnea,increased blood pressure, and more. Companies may write in their policies that a driver with a certain BMI may need to undergo sleep apnea tests, which are expensive.

Click here for information that CDL Drivers need now.

The Cost of Identity Theft in the Workplace

2010-05-04T09:54:00.006-05:00

American businesses spend about $50 billion per year on identity theft in the workplace according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). According to the U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, identity theft is now passing up drug trafficking as the number one crime in the nation. A preliminary study done by ITRC shows that the majority of id theft criminals are repeat offenders. Other convictions include substance abuse, narcotic trafficking, violent crime, robbery, and immigration issues.

While determining the total and exact cost of identity theft in the workplace is virtually impossible, Studies on the total cost of identity theft vary. One study said that identity theft cost U.S. businesses and consumers $56.6 billion in 2005. No matter what the total cost it is very clear that bottom lines all across America suffer from identity theft in the workplace, which results in high absenteeism and turnover, declined mental and physical health, reduced productivity, and internal communication breakdown.

The Unisys’ study reported that 69% of those survey said they would stop using a site that lost their personal information, resulting bad reputation in the community.

A Zogby study reports that 91% of Americans are now concerned about identity theft and expressed concern that legitimate retailers would sell their information without consent.

It is proven that the negative effects of identity theft or a breach of information to a business can have long term and far reaching ramifications. It should be a priority for business owners and executives to heighten their awareness of identity theft, and the financial and image costs of a data loss. What would a data security loss cost your company?

To request a free Worksheet to analyze the cost of a security data loss to your Company call 888-588-5648.

Russian Roulette

2010-01-17T08:15:00.004-06:00

Military personnel, active, retired, or former members, are prime targets for identity theft.

Identity theft is an ever increasing problem worldwide. While most consumers have a minimal knowledge of identity theft, most are unfamiliar with the complications of being a victim and unknown facts. According to the article, WHAT THE STATISTICS DO NOT TELL US by Victoria Sanchez, "the key for consumers is prevention. Yet those who have taken all precautions and are victimized nonetheless."

Prevention has been taken out of the hands of the consumer hands because personal information is kept in many places. What happens to the personal information, who handles the information, or how it is protected is not controlled by the consumer.

The military has multiple data losses and continues to experience breaches. The most well known breach was May 3,2006, where a data analyst at Veterans Affairs took home a laptop and an external hard drive containing unencrypted information on 26.5 million veterans.

The end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, ended and began with military data loss breaches.

A laptop computer containing names and Personally Identifiable
Information for approximately 42,000 Fort Belvoir Morale, Welfare
and Recreation patrons was stolen on November 28th 2009.

On January 14th, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) released that 18,000 recipients of a special pay for disabled retirees, were sent to wrong addressees.The error occurred when the DAPS document duplicating system malfunctioned.

History has proved that identity theft prevention is not feasible because personal information is scattered throughout many agencies. Identity theft protection is the only option to help monitor personal information. There are six types of identity theft, with certain types, access to an attorney may be critical. Being unprotected is like playing Russian Roulette,especially for members of military due to the many data loss breaches,carrying of the military ID, and their mobility.

No Protection and A Disservice

2009-10-24T07:39:00.010-05:00

November 1, 2009 is the deadline for companies to comply with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Red Flag Rule. The Rule is an amendment to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), which passed in 2003 and is in effect.

This single Act in my opinion, is the only Rule that can truly protect Americans from the mishandling of important information and the protection of their name and personal information.

A New Jersey newspaper, The Philly Burbs, reported the a federal Bill, that would put the American public at risk for identity theft, has unanimously passed bipartisan legislation in the House.

The article states that , The House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation which would protect small firms such as dental and accounting offices from the Federal Trade Commission's Red Flags Rule.

The House needs to realize the type of information that the industries whom thye are trying to exempt hold, prior to this Bill being passed. Personal information in the medical and financial communities is enough to completely take over someone's life. The following is my response to the New Jersey new article:

"I am from Texas. I can not imagine that public official who is elected to protect people would try to pass a bill that is detrimental to the American public. Our Attorney General make it quite clear that our people will be safeguarded.

Identity theft hurts many and there is a lengthy process to clear their name and usually no recovery , especially from the entities whom this Bill covers.

This Bill should never pass until one can safely go into a doctor's office and not hear or see other patient's information behind the reception desk or in the hallway.

This Bill should never pass until cleaning crews are escorted while cleaning unoccupied offices after hours.

This Bill should never pass as long as laptops are being taken home and left unattended.

This Bill should never pass, it will totally put people at risk and ruin lives. Any rule that protects the public in my eyes is not an "unnecessary regulations."

The House also needs to realize that FACTA is already in effect and support the enforcement date of the Red Flag amendment section of the Act to protect the public.

Medical identity theft is the most dangerous as seen in the video from WISN 12 News.

Be All That You Can Be, Again!

2009-10-04T05:43:00.007-05:00

On October 2, 2009, The Washington Post reported that "the personal data of tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers, including those in the Special Forces, continue to be downloaded by unauthorized computer users in countries such as China and Pakistan."

The article goes on to say that the loss increases the threat of identity theft and retaliation against soldiers on sensitive missions.

The loss occurred through "peer to peer" file-sharing software. December 5, 2008, 24,000 army soldiers had their identity breached through the same type of software.

Military members are put in harms way constantly, they should not have to worry about being a victim of an identity theft nightmare.

Protect our military and keep them safe.

G'Day

2009-10-02T08:59:00.004-05:00

G'Day Mate!

Australia, The Land of Oz has a very different vocabulary, one needs a dictionary just to figure some things out.

One out of five Aussiies are finding out that identity theft is not their bowl of rice.

The Bisbane Times reported that many Aussies are victims from low tech identity related crimes like mail grabbing.

The Times reported that "more than 1.5 million Australians had credit cards illegally copied in the past year, and 1.2 million had bank accounts illegally accessed, the Veda Advantage Identity Crimes Report, conducted by Galaxy Research, shows."

"The report also found that almost 1.2 million, or seven per cent, of respondents had had personal mail stolen."

"Veda head of marketing and communications Kelvin Kirk said mail theft is one of the easiest ways to get details of someone's identity."

Kirk goes on to say "I think (the 25 to 49 age group) are more casual. I think its some `it won't happen to me' thinking," Mr Kirk said.

"But if they ask their family and friends, they'll find out that family and friends have had their identity stolen. It's massive."

I am sure that most Aussies think that now is the time for the Divvy van to come and haul away all of these bludgers out of the Wonderful Land of Oz.

UNC Loses!

2009-09-28T08:56:00.009-05:00

UNC, University of North Carolina lost! This is not reference to a football game but to a data security loss.

A radiology study of 236,000 women enrolled in a UNC Chapel Hill research mammogram study was hacked. Part of the loss were the Social Security numbers of 163,000 other participants.

The mammography project was federally funded.

Blastoff

2009-09-21T21:13:00.004-05:00

The Blastoff Network is made up of over 300 of the biggest brands and retailers in the world.

Blastoff is said to fund 529 College Savings Plans for U.S. students between the ages of 13-17.

Blastoff also claims to generate revenue for nonprofits but supporters using the cash back program.

The Blastoff Network has an appealing look where everything one does on the internet can be done from a Blastoff member's own free home page.

Is Someone Watching You?

2009-09-17T22:42:00.004-05:00

A man allegedly sent spyware to a woman's Yahoo e-mail address, hoping that it would give him a way to monitor what she was doing on her PC. She opened the spyware on a computer a pediatric cardiac surgery department,infecting an Ohio hospital.

Who is in your PC?

Atten-Hut, Here We Go Again

2009-09-09T08:31:00.010-05:00

On September 8, 2009, The Office of Inadequate Security reported that a commuter carpool web site has exposed commuter's personal information, including a military installation.

The video shows a different breach which affected the Air National Guard in August 2009.

Update: Lifelock

2009-09-05T08:22:00.005-05:00

Seems that Lifelock has beefed up their advertising lately on television, radio, and the web, to secure more customers. Lifelock may be making one last effort to generate revenue since Experian is now seeking a permanent injunction against LifeLock.

The Experian press release states that some of Lifelock's practices are unlawful and gives a false sense of security and offers unnecessary costs to consumers. Experian sued Lifelock in February 2008 for fraud.

When looking for an identity theft protection service, make sure that the company specializes in restoration, this is where the company will do everything for you in your behalf.

Make sure the the company can:

Monitor your current accounts in addition to new credit taken out in your name.

If your identity is compromised, what help is available?

Make sure that the company have experience and a long-standing reputation for protecting personal information.

Is legal access included for criminal or legal matters which my arise from the theft?

How often will you be notified of your identity and credit status?

Remember to check your credit at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

We Hope You Enjoyed Your Stay, Please Come Again.

2009-09-01T07:55:00.009-05:00

The first data security loss was reported in February 2009 that had occurred in July 2008, where criminals stole tens of thousand of credit card numbers after hacking into a Wyndham computer.

Wyndham has now admitted a second data loss in a letter to the State Attorney General of New Hampshire dated Aug 21, 2009. Wyndham has offered one year of credit card monitoring services to affected consumers.

Credit Monitoring is the single best protection for financial identity theft, however, does nothing against the other five types of identity theft.

Post a data loss, criminals know that the customary amount of monitoring a consumers credit is for a year. They may choose to hold on to credit information and use the information after the year is up for monitoring.

In the meantime, they may use the information in the other types of identity theft. A description of the six types of identity theft may be found in another hospitality industry blog where a restaurant threw customer checks in the trash.

Secure Your Load

2009-08-31T11:08:00.004-05:00

In January 2008,a credit card data breach affected over 650,000 customers. The information was on a backup computer tape that was discovered missing in October 2007. It was being stored at a warehouse run by Iron Mountain Inc., a data storage company.

On August 24, 2009, A driver for Iron Mountain left a box of personal information from private vendors, on the rear deck while loading boxes for transportation to storage. The box fell off of the back of the truck but was not recovered.

Above the Law

2009-08-28T05:45:00.006-05:00

And Justice For All is a 1979 movie starring Al Pacino, Jack Warden, and John Forsythe. Pacino is the defense attorney for a high profile judge (Forsythe) who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman. Is Judge Fleming not guilty or trying to stay above the law?

As the November 1, 2009 deadline approaches to comply with the FACTA Red Flags Rule, the ABA has filed suit again the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to exempt Attorneys from the federal Rule.

The FTC consider lawyers as "creditors". A "creditor", according to the FTC, "any entity that regularly extends, renews, or continues credit; any entity that regularly arranges for the extension, renewal, or continuation of credit; or any assignee of an original creditor who is involved in the decision to extend, renew, or continue credit."

Last year in Houston, hundreds of files containing personal information from a Houston attorney's office, were found in a dumpster.

The Red Flags Rule requires "creditors" to implement a program to detect, prevent, and mitigate instances of identity theft.

The Red Flags Rule is an amendment to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act Of 2003 (FACTA). The FACTA Disposal Rule, is also a part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), which calls for the proper disposal of information in consumer reports and records to protect against “unauthorized access to or use of the information.”

Video Clip Contains Strong Language

But Officer, It Wasn't Me!

2009-08-27T07:15:00.007-05:00

All students should have already returned to school. Students who are "Back to School" should be aware of identity theft.

WBBM News Radio 780 in Chicago reported today, that a Loyola University criminal justice student had a bout with criminal identity theft and found himself in a very dangerous situation. Criminal identity theft is when someone uses your identity to commit crimes in your name.

The student spent a week in Cook County jail and was released from jail only after authorities realized that he was the victim of identity theft.

The victim's mother stated that she had been worried for the safety of her son, who "is not Cook County material. Darrius is popular, smart and a nerd."

Identity theft has at least six types, innocent victims are constantly being hurt in one way or another, immediate access to an attorney is critical.

Update; Largest Breach in History

2009-08-25T15:41:00.004-05:00

Heartland Payment Systems, one of the largest payments processor, experienced a data security breach last year. January 21, 2009 Heartland released that hackers "were grabbing numbers with sniffer malware as it went over our processing platform". The result of the loss is well over 130 million United States credit card numbers were stolen.

Prior to the Heartland breach, retail giant TJX lost 94 million customer records to hackers in 2007.

View the Heartland update in the video below.

Tax Free Weekend

2009-08-22T06:36:00.006-05:00

Tax free weekend is here. Many states usually create tax holidays as incentive to help businesses move more merchandise. Consumers use this month's holiday as the major shopping period for school supplies. During this period, sales tax is not collected on selected items, such as clothing and school supplies.

Not all states participate, a list of states and their rules may be found at 2009 States who offer Tax Free Weekend.

Tax free weekend is also one of the prime times for identity theft. Be mindful of purchases. You should record amounts spent or save receipts to compare to your bank account or credit card statement. Additional purchases on your credit card may not be noticed.

Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM. Watch for people in close proximity to you while using the machine. Take your receipt and never give your pin to a stranger if the ATM appears to be malfunctioning.

Keep an eye on cashiers, do not allow your card to be taken to a different location. Be aware of camera phones or computers. Thieves have been known to take pictures of a credit card with a camera phone or enter information into a personal computer.

Guard your purse of wallet, make sure that armloads of purchases aren't making it awkward to protect your purse or wallet.

Make sure to clear everything from the seats in your car prior to going into a store, to minimize your risk of break ins. Never keep any identifying information in your car, carry your insurance and registration in your purse or wallet.

Be safe on tax free weekend, you may be saving the tax but mind that someone else isn't using your credit to enjoy the weekend holiday.

Way Down South in Texas

2009-08-21T09:18:00.011-05:00

News Channel 5 in McAllen Texas reported that a man dozens of checks written to one restaurant.

Checks contain personal information and bank account information. The Good Samaritan returned the checks back to the owners.

One owner of the mishandled checks stated, "This is happening too often, consumers get the raw end of the deal because people aren't taking care of them."

Checks contain enough information to help a thief commit the six types of identity theft. The six types are drivers license, social security, criminal and character, medical, financial, and synthetic.

Drivers License:
An identity thief steals your drivers license information. Some thefts have lead to vehicle related violations and also increases in auto insurance premiums.

Social Security:
The thief uses your social security card to obtain employment. Social security numbers are easier to find than most people imagine as reported in Information Week.

Medical:
Thieves obtain information such as a health insurance identification or Social Security number and use it to get health card or medical treatment.

Criminal/Character:
An identity thief provides a victim’s personal identifying information to an officer during an arrest or when a crime is committed.

Financial:
Financial identity theft is only about 28% of identity thefts. If you are a victim of the other types, you will have wished that they would have taken your money.

Synthetic:
A new way of stealing identities. This type of identity fraud, thieves create new identities by combining real or fake identifying information to establish new accounts or identities.

Back To School

2009-08-20T09:19:00.004-05:00

Back to school time is here.

Child identity theft is a rapidly growing problem. The theft may not be found out for many years, examples are when the child applies for a drivers license or a student loan. All infants are issued Social Security numbers prior to being released from the hospital.

College students, may think they are immune to identity theft because they have obtained a student loan, been approved for an apartment, and have a credit card.

There are many ways that students can fall victim to identity theft. USA Today has written an article which helps identify steps students should take to keep their identity safe titled, "Ten ways students can protect themselves from identity theft."

Back to the Hotel

2009-08-19T14:40:00.004-05:00

On August 19, 2009, the hotel chain, Radisson released an open letter to guests who stayed with them between November 2008 and May 2009.

The computer systems of some Radisson hotels in the U.S. and Canada were accessed without authorization.

The costs associated with data breaches is rising steadily, according to a study earlier this year by The Ponemon Institute.

Most types of identity theft are not preventable, such as the Radisson breach, hackers, and the buying and selling of personal information. Even people who are careful about protecting their information should monitor financial accounts regularly. The other types of identity theft may need continuous monitoring and access to an attorney.

FTC Final Rule for Health Care

2009-08-18T08:28:00.002-05:00

August 18, 2009 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released the final rule of 88 pages issuing that "vendors of personal health records and related entities to notify consumers when the security of their individually identifiable health information has been breached."

More information may be found in the press release may be found titled, FTC Issues Final Breach Notification Rule for Electronic Health Information .

Social Security Identity Theft? Or Not?

2009-08-17T08:37:00.003-05:00

On August 16, 2009, the Chicago Tribune reported American Social Security numbers being issues to strangers in other lands.

Thee Pacific island nations has its own independent Social Security Administration. The Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

Social Security information can be intermingled and cause problems for U.S. citizens.

The numbers at risk are: 002-6, 003-9, 005-7 or 007-8, it could match a number in Micronesia. Numbers that start 006-4 could match numbers in Palau. Those that start with 004 could match numbers in the Marshall Islands.

None of the three major credit reporting agencies has any way to distinguish between U.S. Social Security numbers and those issued in the three island nations.

Everlasting

2009-08-12T07:12:00.003-05:00

Willy Wonka fans all know of the Everlasting Gobstopper. The fictional round jawbreaker-like candy was designed by Mr. Wonka for children who had little spending money. The Gobstopper was developed to last forever so the candy could be enjoyed over and over again without having to buy another.

Mr. Wonka did love his candy but let's move on to the everlasting effect of identity theft.

In January 2009, Heartland Payment Systems released that that intruders hacked into the computers it uses to process 100 million payment card transactions per month for 175,000 merchants.

Heartland processes card payments for restaurants, retailers and other merchants. An updated report from StorefrontBacktalk,says Heartland Payment Systems, on August 4, 2009 said it spent $32 million this year paying for costs related to the major data breach it disclosed in January.

As the Heartland data breach damages continue to mount, the effects on Heartland and the identity theft victims will certainly be everlasting.

Where Are All My Friends?

2009-05-16T15:20:00.006-05:00

Are some of your friends missing from Facebook?

A few weeks ago Facebook had a data security loss. On May 14, 2001, hackers accessed 200 million Facebook users passwords . Last year hackers released a malicious virus termed Koobface, to Facebook users.

The reason that you or your friend can not access their Facebook account, is because Facebook has blocked compromised accounts.

The hackers went "phishing" and netted a mess of passwords.

Social sites are prone to be an easy target for identity theft. Most social sites have a wealth of information that users make their information readily available.

Users on socials sites are at high risk but can slightly reduce being an identity theft victim by following certain rules.

Common broken rules that put users at risk are:

Personal information, most users have their full name, workplace, schools, military history, and location, hometown, and family members.

Be careful of who you chat with. Is it your friend or someone who stole your friends information and photo. Ask questions during the chat to make sure that person really knows you.

Never put your home address or phone number on social sites.

Never disclose travel plans, thieves can do a search on your name and town, or any combination of information and get a map to your home. Put your name in Google or Zabasearch and see it there are any results. Homeowners beware, type in your address and see what comes up on Zillow. The public library has databases that show person information on your neighbors within a certain mile radius.

Thieves also use public record sites, such as property records to get your information.

There is no defense against the risk of identity theft, the only solution is a good identity theft protection plan and access to legal consul. Credit monitoring is the single best method for credit card identity theft only, and does not protect against the four other types of identity theft.

A good plan should provide for continuous monitoring, total restoration to pre-theft status, and attorney access. Access to an attorney will help with creditor issues, crimes that may have been committed such as hot check writing, IRS problems, traffic violations from driver's license identity theft, and use of social security number.

Call 888-588-5648 for more information on the five types of identity theft.

Identity Theft In Diapers

2009-05-11T15:08:00.008-05:00

Identity theft is now a pandemic and continues to grow. Victims whose identities are compromised can face financial loss and many stressful years trying to straighten out their credit histories and any other situations that are created by identity theft.

Children are perfect targets for identity theft. The victim may not be aware of the crime for many years, most children are issued a social security number when they are born but have no need to apply for credit or use their identification information until the age of about 15 or 16. There are many cases of child identity theft.

Does Your Child Own A 600K House? Learn more about child identity theft, call 888-588-5648.

FTC Deadline Extended!

2009-05-02T20:18:00.004-05:00

Great news! Another extension concerning the FACTA and Red Flag Rule.

All business industries, no matter what size, fall under the FACTA law, some are also governed by the Red Flag Rule. Businesses are now held responsible for information which they hold for a business purpose. Identity theft is now a pandemic and someone must be held responsible, which happens to fall on all size businesses, including sole proprietors and the self employed.

This extension of August 1, 2009 from the FTC, gives business industries a little more time to help educate and to help their industries to understand their responsibility to FACTA and the Red Flag Rule. Many business industries were caught off guard by new laws and rules from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and many are still unaware of the FACTA and Red Flag Rule.

Even though the deadline has been extended to August 1, 2009, the FTC publication states, "Today's announcement does not affect other federal agencies� enforcement of the original November 1, 2008 compliance deadline for institutions subject to their oversight."

The publication goes on to state that, "Given the ongoing debate about whether Congress wrote this provision too broadly, delaying enforcement of the Red Flags Rule will allow industries and associations to share guidance with their members..."

FTC Will Grant Three-Month Delay of Enforcement of Red Flags Rule Requiring Creditors and Financial Institutions to Adopt Identity Theft Prevention Programs.

The new publications contains very strong statements about the FTC going out of its way to notify all business of the enforcement. That and the shorter extension may indicate that this will be the last extension.

Businesses may learn more from Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialists by calling 888-588-5648 to take advantage of this extension and to schedule a no cost consultation to learn your business industry's responsibility and how to start the compliance process or evaluate wherever your company may be in the compliance process, at no cost to your company, be proactive prior to the August 1, 2009 deadline.

May 1 2009, The Day The Earth Stood Still

2009-04-21T12:20:00.009-05:00

The May 1, 2009 deadline to comply with FACTA and the Red Flag Rule is very close, business may be standing still in anticipation of what to expect from FACTA & the Red Flag Rule.

While ALL businesses fall under the FACTA Law, some may not under the Red Flag Rule. Many businesses are still unaware of the laws, while many are confused as to their responsibility to the law.

The most recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) publication concerning these laws is titled, "Fighting Fraud With The Red Flag Rule-A How-To Guide For Business".

If you do not know or are not sure of your business industry's responsibility to FACTA or the Red Flag Rule, you should do a search for your industry type with FACTA, Red Flag, or identity theft in the search box. There are many new publications or articles concerning your business industry which may be found on the internet.

Another way to learn your responsibility is for you and your attorney to read the entire FTC publication and to visit the links in the "RESOURCES" section of the publication.

If your attorney determines that your company is not governed by FACTA or the Red Flag Rule, have your attorney write you a letter stating that he has reviewed the requirements and that he has determined that your company is exempt from FACTA and the Red Flag Rule.

The main questions that would indicate that your business falls under these laws would be:

1. Does your company use consumer reports, an example of a consumer report is a background check for hiring purposes?

2. You may be a "Creditor", do you have a payment plan, bill, or defer payments? Anyone who regularly grants loans, arranges for loans or the extension of credit, or makes credit decisions. Examples include finance companies, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, automobile dealers, and retailers that offer financing or help consumers get financing from others are “Creditors”.

3. Do you have covered accounts, personal, family, or household purposes, and that involves multiple payments or transactions. Examples are credit card accounts, mortgage loans, automobile loans, margin accounts, cell phone accounts, utility accounts, checking accounts, and savings accounts.

See the section on "Who Must Comply".

Many companies who know about FACTA and the Red Flag Rule may already have the mandatory required documents. There is another requirement of the law which is Employee training. The trainer should have some type of certification to reduce the company's risk of federal government enforcement in the event of a data security breach in your company.

FACTA Compliance consultants and trainers should be certified by a professional certification program specifically developed to train and equip professionals to understand and address Identity Theft and related fraud.

For more information on FACTA, the Red Flag Rule and employee training, contact FACTA Compliance consultants and trainers who are Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialists (CITRMS), certified by The Institute of Fraud Risk Management at 888-588-5648.

Birth Certificate Please Ma'am, I Mean Sir?

2009-03-13T09:12:00.007-05:00

Boarding an airplane has become a slight bit of a nuisance since 9-11. Showing your driver's license, filling their containers with all of your detachable items, and risking athlete's foot if you didn't wear socks. If you are on "the list", you may even be patted down or detained.

Now new airport security rules will require even more personal information
Passengers' birth date and their sex listed on reservations must match their ID.

Find out more about "Secure Flight".

Learn more about reducing your chances of being detained by authorities.

Paper or Electronic?

2009-02-09T10:04:00.005-06:00

Top Tech News reported a study that was done by the Alliance for Secure Business Information (ASBI). "The Security of Paper Documents in the Workplace" study, finds that that most breaches occur with paper.

Some of the most at risk departments include human resources (45 percent), finance and accounting (40 percent), and information technology (38 percent).

There have been many reported electronic data loss breaches, the most recent being Heartland Payment Systems.

Get protected now against identity theft call 888-588-5648.

Father, Can You Spare A Dime?

2009-01-14T18:32:00.002-06:00

Father, can you spare a dime is a line from the 1973 thriller, The Exorcist.

Maybe you have spared a quarter from your credit card. One of two things can happen with this one, The thieves will take 25 cents from all of their victims and be happy or they are testing the cards to see if they are good so they can hit people up later with a significant charge. Read the story here.

Did Your Bill Make The List?

2008-12-08T12:19:00.014-06:00

On December 4,2008, CNET News reported a hacking which occurred on December 2, 2008.

Check your accounts if you pay bills online, you or someone you know may be a victim of identity theft.

This link shows the extensive list of companies at risk.

Identity theft protection offered by most banks, credit unions, and credit card companies, only does credit monitoring. Credit monitoring, only covers one type of identity theft, financial. There are four other common types.

The other types of identity theft are driver's license, social security, medical, and character/criminal.

Driver's license and social security identity theft are used when someone needs a new history for themselves, an example would be if the information was used to obtain a job. Character/criminal identity theft is when the information is used to ruin a person's character or commit a crime. Medical identity theft is the most dangerous of all. Most often medical information is used to get medical treatment. Diagnosis, conditions, symptoms, and more can be changed and be life threatening to the real patient of the medical information.

Identity theft protection is a must in today's world. When selecting an identity theft protection plan be sure to compare carefully. The plan should cover the five common types of identity theft, provide for total restoration prior to the theft, and access to an attorney for other issues which my occur, such as legal or use of the information outside of the person's state or country.

If you do not have identity theft protection, call 888-588-5648 for information.

Be All That You Can Be

2008-12-05T14:47:00.004-06:00

On December 2, 2008, The Wall Street Journal, Business Technology section reported that 24,000 U.S. Army soldiers have personal files at risk which were on a peer-to-peer network. The files contain names and social security numbers of the soldiers.

Most peer to peer (P2P) data loss breaches go unreported. Definitions of P2P may be found at Answers.com.

Call 888-588-5648 for more information on how to get your identity protected now.

Laid A Golden Egg

2008-12-03T22:44:00.005-06:00

A report was released by KXII.com on December 2, 2008, where Golden Chick, a restaurant in Gainesville Texas,put about 400 customers in danger of being victims of identity theft.

Over 400 First State Bank debit cards users are left without debit cards after using their card in the restaurant. The Bank found that their customer accounts were in danger.

Police viewed the surveillance video from the restaurant,they found nothing connected to the restaurant. The common denominator is that all victims used their debit card at Golden Chick.

Let’s investigate a reason why the surveillance videos may not reveal foul play. Better yet, watch the video to learn what may happen when debit or credit cards leave your sight.

Learn how to get your credit monitored and your identity protected at 888-588-5648.

Scam, Scam, Everywhere A Scam

2008-12-02T14:02:00.002-06:00

ATM fraud has gotten worse. Here are a few videos which show two methods of ATM fraud and what to look for this holiday season and how to protect yourself.

Most banks and credit cards companies offer credit monitoring, which is a great idea, but what would you do if you became a victim of one of the other forms of identity theft? You would wish that they had taken your money. Get protected today, be proactive.

All Aboard

2008-11-21T11:17:00.006-06:00

Across the world, the Holiday season is upon us. Travel lines and wait times are unusually long.

Whether one travels by rail, air, sea, or land, for vacation travel or frequent travelers, especially for business, you perhaps have more to lose than the ordinary individual if your identity is ever stolen.

Travelers are prime targets for identity thieves. Think of the people whom you come in contact with, ticket agents, store clerks, travel agents, hotel staff, wait staff, and the list goes on. If you are a traveler, these are a few questions to ask yourself.

1. Has your credit card been out of your sight?

2. Where did the person take your card? Ask if they can bring the reader to you or if you can accompany them to the reader.

3. Did they swipe your card to an unauthorized reader or to a camera phone to transmit for unauthorized use? Try to use cash.

4. Is your home address and other personal information on your luggage tag? Not only can your identity been stolen this way but many organized crime groups have hired workers to handle luggage. What a better time to break in a home when everyone is on vacation.

5. Do you destroy your room key? Shed them as you would any expired credit card.

In the United States, Homeland Security has a Watch List. If a name appears on the list, that person may be detained, delay, or denied entry or exit from the U.S. Additional security screenings or delay in boarding.

Traveling is highly stressful, especially at peak travel times. If your personal information has become unsecured, even without your knowledge, would you want to be aware at the moment that you are: being stopped at a checkpoint; boarding an airline; trying to return to your destination; rushing to rent a car to make an important appointment with a client ,who you have been trying to meet with for months?

Visit the Traveler section of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for travel information in the U.S.

Be proactive in protecting your identity. Protect your information to the best of your ability or find a reputable identity theft protection plan to meet your needs and assist you in times of an emergency. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

A Matter Of Public Record

2008-11-20T07:27:00.004-06:00

"I don't have to worry about anyone stealing my identity, I shred and protect my personal information."

Protecting and safeguarding your personal information and shredding are one of the best steps that you can take in protecting personal information from identity theft. Unfortunately, if you were born, have gone to school, been married or divorced,applied for a job, served in the military, or own property, your personal information is a matter of public record which anyone can access.

KFOX14 released on November 17, 2008, that birth dates, driver's license and Social Security numbers can be found on an El Paso County Web site.

One victim stated, "If this information didn't happened where my bank would freeze my account, I would have never known," she said.

There are five common types of identity theft. The type of identity theft that happened to the El Paso victim was financial.

The woman and other victims are unaware if they are victims of the other types of identity theft, some which may happen in other states.

Public Records web sites may put an expensive system in place which redacts certain personal information.

An example of a different type of redaction may be seen in the video. CNBC highlights the U.S. Treasury Department. It discusses redacted sections of government-corporate contracts that detail how much taxpayer cash, private firms are receiving, as part of the Wall Street bailout.

Check county and state web sites for your information.Get protected from identity theft now by calling 888-588-5648 for more information.

What Other Add-Ons Did You Get With Your New Car?

2008-11-07T10:37:00.004-06:00

If you or someone you know has purchased a car since October 2007, one add-on could be a lower credit score. Not due to the new car payment but other opened accounts.

A employee of a car dealership in Arizona, stole the identities of 121 customers. The former employee used the identities to open Lowe's and Best Buy accounts which totaled $60,500.

The thefts occurred between October 2007 to August 2008.

Identity theft is common in the auto dealership industry. See the August 20th blog titled, Enjoy Your Brand New Car-In 46 States.

The Federal Trade Commission has a pamphlet for auto dealers and new federal rules concerning identity theft titled, The FTC's Privacy Rule and Auto Dealers: FAQs.

Arizona Central.com reported the story on November 7, 2008. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Get Rick Quick

2008-11-01T11:16:00.004-05:00

The Houston Chronicle reported on October 31, 2008, that more than 89,000 lottery winners in Texas, had they information compromised.

Lottery players lucky enough to win the lottery, were very unlucky when a former employee copied Lottery files to his CD/DVD.

Some of the 89,000 were lottery commission employees, retailers and vendors.
Protect your identity now, call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Medical Red Flag

2008-10-31T10:27:00.007-05:00

Medical Red Flag, to anyone who has served time in the military, is an exercise or a war game the that U.S. Air Force holds several times each year.

The new Red Flag is a rule, not an exercise or game. FACTA and Red Flag Rules has posed much confusion on who actually is governed by these Rules. The Rules concern identity theft detection, prevention, and mitigation programs. Most of the Medical community is unsure of their responsibilities.

The World Privacy Forum released a publication on September 24, 2008 titled, Red Flag and Address Discrepancy Requirements: Suggestions for Health Care Providers.

The 30 page report explains Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) terms such as "creditors" and "users of credit reports".

There is also a guideline on Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation in Appendix 1.

For more information concerning the Red Flag Rule and FACTA, call 888-588-5648.

Reprieve

2008-10-23T07:31:00.004-05:00

The definition of "Reprieve" according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary online

1 : to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
2 : to give relief or deliverance to for a time

Both of these definitions fit for United States business owners and financial institutions concerning the FACTA Red Flag Rules.

On October 22, 2008, the Federal Trade Commission(FTC) granted a 6 month delay concerning enforcement of the Rules resetting the deadline from November 1, 2008 to May 1, 2009.

A large percent of U.S. businesses are still unaware of these Rules. Given this "reprieve", will it make a difference? Many businesses who are aware of these Rules, still continue to practice willful noncompliance.

When these laws reach the deadline, the FTC will do spot checks and impose heavy fines on violators who do not comply by May 1, 2009.

For more information on FACTA and the Red Flag Rules or to schedule a no cost consultation, call 888-588-5648.

Captain's Log: Stardate 62300.4

2008-10-15T18:46:00.006-05:00

Stardates are fictional periods of time assigned by decimals. Stardates are commonly referred to as absolute dates in the science fiction television show, Star Trek.

The Stardate, while fictional, will not change the date when Identity Theft Red Flags Rule must be met.

This Rule governs financial institutions. Some entities who may not consider themselves financial institutions, may be considered a non-bank entity under this Rule.

Bank info Security's article dated October 6, 2008 titled "The 3 Questions You Must Answer by Nov. 1" also tells of the cost of non-compliance.

Non-compliance may cause companies to be sued due to unfair deceptive acts and practices violations if the business does not comply.

A Bank Info Security article dated September 8, 2008, discusses non-bank entities who must comply.

More information my be found at the Federal Trade Commission's web site.
Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Deadline to comply? Stardate 62300.4, November 1, 2008.

I Wanna Be Rich

2008-10-06T06:47:00.008-05:00

Would you have liked to been a part of the start of a trend? If you missed claiming your place in computers, cell phones,Mr. Gates, and health insurance, this may be your chance to profit from the next trend.

The National Association of Attorneys General passed a resolution to support the concept of prepaid legal services plans.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners released an article A Rise in Identity Theft Spurs New Type of Insurance which states that identity theft insurance can help individuals with identity theft issues.

This new trend is already becoming a part of many employee benefit plans and will be soon accepted as being just as needed as health insurance.

Find out how to become part of this new trend, don't miss your chance to be part of the next insurance type industry. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Hot Stuff

2008-10-04T07:33:00.005-05:00

Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration did a study of hotel Internet connections Beware of hotel Internet connections. The hotels surveyed ranged from family-oriented hotels to ones used by business travelers.

The study found that most hotels use "hub' technology which allows users to get broadcasts from one another.

Hotel Internet connections are free for the most part, more and more hotels are charging to connect to the Internet, anywhere from $5 to $20 a day. Some hotels even have per minute charges in larger cities.

Take action to protect yourself and your information. Get your own air card. Learn "How To Protect Yourself At Wireless Hot Spots." Make sure to call 888-588-5648 to get your identity protected.

Medical Identity Theft

2008-09-21T23:40:00.008-05:00

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. There are five common types of identity theft. Most people are fully aware of financial identity theft. Medical identity theft is the most dangerous for obvious reasons.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse overviews Medical Privacy. HIPAA laws do not cover identity theft and were developed as a privacy of health information rather than protecting identities.

More and more medical records are becoming electronic. This gives rise to many risks not only of identities being stolen but wrong information and diagnoses being input the electronic files.

The MIB is a central database of medical information and is a membership corporation owned by approximately 470 member insurance companies in the US and Canada. This information may be shared with anyone trying to determine your health worthiness, such as insurance companies or a prospective employer. Incorrect information at the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) may be disputed. However,even if the information is changed, all parties involved may not be notified. It may be close to impossible to change or retrieve incorrect information from other agencies which the information was give to such as, billing, laboratories, and others.

In summary, incorrect histories, increased insurance premiums, and most of all life threatening entries in a medical record is a major worry.

Protect your identity now call 888-588-5648.

Enjoy Your Brand New Car - In 46 States

2008-08-20T01:09:00.005-05:00

August 19,2008, InterActive Financial Marketing Group (IFMG),a division of Dominion Enterprises in Richmond, Virginia, announced a data loss breach.

IFMG offers subprime auto financing for auto dealers. If you purchased a vehicle between November 2007 and February 2008, you may already be a victim of identity theft.

IFMG was hacked into during that time period, names, social security numbers, and other personal information of 92,095 applicants for credit are at risk.

IFMG is used by auto dealers for financing in 46 states.

How many cars did you finance this year? Get protected now.

Business As Usual

2008-08-17T07:35:00.004-05:00

In the most recent personal information data breach, thousands of personal files belonging to a law firm in Atlanta , were found in three dumpsters. Names, social security numbers, dates of birth, medical records, and photos were contained in the personal injury files.

The worker who found the files said he was “stunned” because of identity theft awareness today.

The lawyer had thrown the files in the trash because they were closed cases.
Personal information data losses is rapidly becoming business as usual. Agencies who should be fully aware of the danger of a loss are being discovered daily mishandling client and customer information entrusted to them.

A personal information data breach is the discovery of a loss, not the number of records or files of victims involved in that loss. Data loss statistics are based on publically reported losses, many data breaches go unreported.

The Identity Theft Resource Annual Report stated that there were 442 reported data loss breaches in 2007. As of August 17, 2008, the 230th day of the year, 423 data loss breaches have been reported.

Get protected now, call 888-588-5648.

It's A FACT, You Have To ACT

2008-08-15T11:42:00.009-05:00

The FACT Act, FACTA, Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 final rules became effective on January 1, 2008 with a deadline to comply of November 1, 2008.

FACTA is designed to reduce the risk of identity theft concerning improper handling and disposal of consumer reports or any records included in them. A program must be in place by November 1, 2008 which meets the mandatory requirements set by these laws.

FACTA contains input from several agencies such as, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal bank regulatory agencies, and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Businesses can not throw out documents containing workers or customers' personal information. In the week of July 28th 2008, medical records containing sensitive information was found in the trash at a Medical Treatment Center in San Antonio Texas.

Under the rules stated by the FTC, "any person who maintains or otherwise possesses consumer information for a business purpose" must properly destroy the discarded information. An organization must also "dispose of such information by taking reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the information in connection with its disposal," the rules state.

New Red Flags Rules contain terms such as financial institutions" and "creditors" and "covered accounts. Many agencies are unaware that they may be classified as non bank financial institutions.

A "creditor" is anyone who extends, renews, or continues credit. If a business has any sort of payment or installment plan, the business is considered a creditor.

Most businesses do not have complete control over the information they hold, no matter how secure the system. These laws also govern most small businesses and sole proprietors as "covered accounts".

Nonprofit and government agencies are not exempt. The following are a few examples of why these agencies must comply.

If a nonprofit collects fees or dues, it is considered a creditor. A church with any type of pledge system is a creditor, the church also falls under the protection reinforcement portion of the Rules since many accept check, debit, and credit cards to pay tithes.

An example of a government creditor would be an installment plan offered to consumers to pay taxes. A utility company offering budget payment plans is another example School reduced lunch plans or tuition assistance programs are covered under the Rule.

The Red Flag Rules include requirements such as, a written program must be developed, have plan to mitigate damages, employee training, and oversee any service providers.

Learn more about the Red Flag Rules.

Listen to an overview of these laws and about the ADRS program at 800-634-1327.

To schedule an appointment to review the ADRS program please call 888-588-5648.

Learn more about the Reg Flag Rules.

Listen to an overview of these laws and the ADRS program at 800-634-1327.

To schedule an appointment to review the ADRS program please call 888-588-5648.

E-Z Now

2008-08-07T07:23:00.003-05:00

States which use an electronic toll system such as E-Z Pass or FasTrak are unsecure.

Transponder numbers are usually visible and should be kept out of sight because they are not encrypted.

CNet reported on how these systems may be hacked. Users are at risk of paying higher bills from unauthorized use by hackers or the stolen number can be used to commit crimes by using the number on a different car which when traced will link back to the authorized user.

Who will you call at 3 a.m. if you number is up? Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Toll Booth in Blazing Saddles - Celebrity bloopers here

SMILE! You're On

2008-08-06T13:01:00.006-05:00

"Smile! You're on Candid Camera" was the opening line for the long running TV show Candid Camera. The show was first heard on radio in 1947 and aired on TV in 1948. The premise of the show used concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with prearranged and unusual situations.

Remember the Greek legend of the Trojan Horse set in the City of Troy? The story tells of a large wooden horse with a party of armed warriors concealed inside. Sinon, a Greek convinced the Trojans that the horse was an offering to Athena that would make Troy impregnable.

The Trojan Horse was taken inside the city gates by the Trojans who did not realize that Greek army soldiers were hidden inside. That night, he Greeks snuck out of the belly of the wooden horse, opened the gates to to the City and succeeded in conquering Troy.

Sophos.com reported a hidden camera situation which is not so candid.

A 47 year old man sent an email attachment to a 17 year old teenage girl The email contained a Trojan virus which infected the the girl's PC with spyware. A Trojan is a software which causes malicious functions to occur on a PC, usually sent by a hacker in what appears to be a harmless email or web site.

Using the spyware, the man spied on the young girl in her bedroom and took compromising photos of her. Most spyware is used to steal a person's identity for financial gain.

Possibly you may be on camera somewhere without your knowledge if you have a web cam or not. See the blog, "Big Brother Is In Your Face."

How attached are you to your identity and your right to privacy? Not smiling! Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Slim Jim

2008-07-22T00:07:00.003-05:00

Choose your poison, Slim Jim, a dry meat snack, long, slim, salty, and very greasy but really tasty. Another choice may be Slim Jim, the long and slim tool used to unlock automobile doors without use of a key or lock pick.

Slim Jim is now helping your local identity theft thief to steal your identity and you may not find out for a long time.

In the July/August 2008 issuse of AARP Bulletin, in the Your Money section, the Scam Alert page has an artcle titled "Fast Lane to Your Wallet".

The Slim Jim may be one of the "devices" which thieves use to get into locked cars.
They break in and steal a card or two, the car is locked back and the victim does not know anything has happened until they look for the card to use.

Even new cars are at risk. The myth of the air bag deploying when a Slim Jim is used is dispelled by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Protect your identity now. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Poor Aunt IRiS

2008-07-11T06:46:00.002-05:00

On July 8, 2008, New York Daily News reported that IRS officials claim that tax-related identity theft rose 644% during a four year period and legitimate taxpayers are being hurt in the process. Not poor Aunt IRiS but rather poor taxpayers.

Where is your refund? Did you pay taxes but expected a refund? Did you get a refund when you expected to pay? Did you have to reorder a W2 or 1099? Did you have to contact the IRS about a delay in getting your refund?

All of the above questions may indicate that there may be an identity theft issue. Get your identity protected with a continuous monitoring service so you get contacted when someone tries to use your name. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Dangerous Curves

2008-07-06T11:26:00.006-05:00

Maybe fitness needs to return to the home.

Data is lost everyday. A writer in The Comsumerist authored Curves Leaves Working Computer Full Of Personal Information In An Office Dumpster

Businesses claim that they protect customers information, yet there is at least one reported data breach daily.

Your information is out there, it is up to you to protect it by getting notified if there is activity on your name. Find out how to protect your identity, call 888-588-5648.

Eyes Without A Face

2008-07-02T20:45:00.010-05:00

Since 2001, devices able to scan the iris of the eye have been used as tracking for national border security. The subject would pose for the scanner.

Now in 2008, breakthrough work has made it possible to scan the iris of the eye without the knowledge or consent of the person being scanned. The device uses multiple cameras, and then combines images to create a single scan.

Lockheed Martin is building a massive digital warehouse of criminal information, set to bring facial recognition and eye scans to local law enforcement within 10 years.

Billy Idol's 1984 song "Eyes Without A Face" uses "Les Yeux Sans Visage" from a French horror film 1959 in his lyrics.

Do you remember what happens in "Demolition Man" after Simon (Wesley Snipes) escapes from the chair? He uses the Warden's eye to escape the cryoprison.

"Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Got no human grace your eyes without a face.
Such a human waste your eyes without a face
And now it's getting worse."

Life Liberty And The Pursuit of

2008-06-26T09:29:00.004-05:00

The Constitution of the United States
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution states:
Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure, December 15, 1791. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

On June 25, 2008, H.R. 6304, has passed. H.R. 6304 “FISA Amendments Act of 2008 also has been titled by some as "Abolishment of the 4th Amendment.
The Act amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence, and for other purposes.

Basically a portion of the Act grants the telecommunication industry and official Government executors, immunity for illegal wiretapping citizens of the United States.

Surveillance Technology was discussed in the May 27th blog, Big Brother Is In Your Face.

Big Brother has been watching, only now, he has permission. Be mindful to learn more about your Rights and how to protect them, call 888-588-5648.

America In The Near Future

2008-06-20T01:08:00.002-05:00

The 1979 movie, "The Warriors" may be the future of America after getting the best training "to be all they can be".
==============
Cyrus: Can you dig it?[At the big conclave/street gang meeting, Cyrus, the boss of the street gang appears]
Cyrus: [yelling] Can you count, suckers? I say, the future is ours... if you can count!
[a couple of soldiers cheer for Cyrus]
Cyrus: Now, look what we have here before us. We got the Saracens sitting next to the Jones Street Boys. We've got the Moonrunners right by the Van Cortlandt Rangers. Nobody is wasting nobody. That... is a miracle. And miracles is the way things ought to be.
[Few more soldiers cheering for Cyrus]
Cyrus: You're standing right now with nine delegates from 100 gangs. And there's over a hundred more. That's 20,000 hardcore members. Forty-thousand, counting affiliates, and twenty-thousand more, not organized, but ready to fight: 60,000 soldiers! Now, there ain't but 20,000 police in the whole town. Can you dig it?
Gang Members: Yeah.
Cyrus: Can you dig it?
Gang Members: Yeah!
Cyrus: Can you dig it?
Gang Members: YEAH!
[shouting and Cheering]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyrus: Now, here's the sum total: One gang could run this city! One gang. Nothing would move without us allowing it to happen. We could tax the crime syndicates, the police, because WE got the streets, suckers! Can you dig it?
Gang Members: YEAH!
[shouting and Cheering]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyrus: The problem in the past has been the man turning us against one another. We have been unable to see the truth, because we have fighting for ten square feet of ground, our turf, our little piece of turf. That's crap, brothers! The turf is ours by right, because it's our turn. All we have to do is keep up the general truce. We take over one borough at a time. Secure our territory... secure our turf... because it's all our turf!

Ageless

2008-06-16T14:54:00.009-05:00

Identity theft. Ask anyone if they heard of it five years ago. Most likely the major consensus is that identity theft is a new crime with has popped up over the last few years. Especially due to humorous commercials making light of the crime.

In fact, the crime of identity theft is ageless.

The crime has been around since the beginning of time and occur in many forms. The most familiar form is financial, mostly concerning credit cards. A few of the other types, medical, social security, driver's license, and criminal are the types which can ruin a life or put one in danger.

Occurring throughout the ages, the crime was usually confined to family or friends. In the 1993 movie, Sommersby, Richard Gere impersonates a man whom he was imprisioned and became friends with in the Civil War. Gere returned home to Sommersby's hometown and resumed his life. Only in the end to be tried by James Earl Jones. Jones plays a Judge in a trial in which the real Sommersby committed prior to the War. A recent study has found that early one-third of victims reported that personal information was stolen by a friend or family member.

In the last few years, the crime of identity theft has escalated to epidemic levels. Sophisticated methods and organized crime involvement makes everyone an easy target to have their identity stolen.

The crime is unstoppable and the only avenue to preserving is to obtain an identity theft protection plan which proves 24 hour monitoring and total restoration when a breach occurs.

The never ending crime of identity theft - ageless. Call 888-588-5648.

Genesis. Chapter 27.

19
Jacob answered his father: "I am Esau, your first-born. I did as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your special blessing."
22
So Jacob moved up closer to his father. When Isaac felt him, he said, "Although the voice is Jacob's, the hands are Esau's."
23
(He failed to identify him because his hands were hairy, like those of his brother Esau; so in the end he gave him his blessing.)

The crime is unstoppable and the only avenue to preserving is to obtain an identity theft protection plan

You Never Leave Home Without It

2008-06-05T19:42:00.004-05:00

If you have one, chances are that you never leave home without it. Survellience technology is getting more invasive as time goes on.

The United States did a type of human behavior study where they determined most people stay close to home.

While it is not unusual to have a study like this, there are several factors which does make this study quite unusual.

The results were obtained from people living outside of the United States. The researchers tracked cell phone calls which were made and received through cell phone towers.

The study was made without the consent of the cell phone users but with the aid of cell phone records from their cell phone company.

The results determined that most people do not travel over 20 miles away from home.

A study of this type would be considered a major privacy issue in the United States. When has the study of "human behavior" become an excuse to invade the privacy of others.

Privacy is becoming a lost part of society, making more and more people a target for identity theft. You don't have any privacy, at least protect your identity, find out how t 888-588-5648.

Big Brother Is In Your Face

2008-05-27T15:09:00.006-05:00

You can run but you can not hide.

Surveillance technology is alive and well. The article from "The European Weekly" discusses a detailed overview of procedures in place and other rapidly approaching means of "your Bro" keeping an eye on you at all times. Am I my brother's keeper?

Worldwide survelliance technology is not a secret. The advances and how developed the technology has become may not be realized by the average citizen.

One type of survelliance has been described in "You Are About To Get Your Hands Dirty" and "CPAs Break OutThe Wet Ones." Forced fingerprinting and storing of information carries a major privacy and security concern.

"Enemy of the State", starring Will Smith is not far from the truth. Download Google Earth and type in your address. Experiment on how close the satillite can zoom in on your home.

Everyone can be digiligent in personally securing their information. Whomever you gave it to may not. Go to ZabaSearch and type in your name or the name of someone you may know. Go to Google and type in your ten digit phone number. If no information comes up, you are fortunate.

While you may not show up in those three places, Big Brother still has you somewhere in the records, school , motor vehicle, military service, IRS, and on and on. If not in print, do you own a cell phone or a recently purchased car? Can you say GPS? Global Positiong System, a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. Most cell phones are GPS equipped and can be an option in vehicles. With four or more satellites , the receiver can determine the user's 3D position such as latitude, longitude and altitude.

Nothing can be done except to proactively protect your identity and your rights, in case someone has accessed your records and has become you. With Big Brother helping the process along, it will not be long before personal privacy and security will be a thing of the past. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Ask Big Brother if he is his brother's keeper, his answer will be "yes, I am."

You Are About To Get Your Hands Dirty

2008-05-24T15:00:00.005-05:00

Maybe not your hands, but your fingers may look forward to the honor.

There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record in March.

Congress is in the process of licensing mortgage brokers.

The bill, S. 2595: Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008'' or ``S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008'' page 41; SEC. 605.(a)(1) requires fingerprint submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition, submission of a credit report is required in Sec. 605 (a)(2)(A) on page 42.

In an article published on May 21, 2008 in the Central Valley Business Times, The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee has approved the legislation.

The process of fingerprinting for “routine” background checks means the fingerprints are compared against the FBI's database of more than 55 million sets of fingerprints.

The new law may cause concern as matter of privacy and risk. Last month a similar law was passed for CPAs, making forced fingerprinting a requirement for license and registration.

Be prepared in case of mistakes or identity theft. Have affordable access to an attorney and identity theft protection prior to this law being passed, call 888-588-5648

Is Three Times A Charm?

2008-05-18T23:19:00.005-05:00

Is Three Times A Charm?

LifeLock has been sued for the third time this year.

The class action lawsuits are filed for deceptive practices. The most recent lawsuit is for false and misleading information, siting that the owner of LifeLock has been a victim of identity theft numerous times.

On a distrubing note, LifeLock issued identity theft protection to a thief on a stolen credit card of one of LifeLock's clients after the victim had notified LifeLock of the theft. Seems they did not verify the applicant's information.

Maybe for LifeLock three times a charm, or not. Maybe they will follow Pfizer's lead with six data losses in a year, two being in 2008.

Your Child Owns A $600K House In California

2008-05-16T11:00:00.012-05:00

Plan your move well, you and your family may live in Texas but may be moving to your new residence soon, or not.

A recent data loss in Spring Texas,has put about 8,000 students at risk.

Identity theft has children, seniors, and even the deceased owning property, getting credit, and even working.

These categories of people are the easiest targets for identity theft for the obvious reasons. The theft may never be found out or may take many years to discover.

Identities are also being used to commit crimes in the victims name. A bench warrant may be issued in the victim name, the victim is unaware. Imagine your child having a bench warrant. When will they become aware? Maybe when applying for college or their first job.

Identity theft is a major crime. It devastates whomever is affected. Think of the horrors that could occur in another type of identity theft called medical identity theft. Medical identity theft may cause wrong diagnosis, wrong treatments, and incorrect information entered into medical records and databases. Risks of this type of theft may cause increased premiums, affects your employment status, and the most serious risk of all, death.

There are several types of identity theft. Learn to protect yourself and your loved ones, call 888-588-5648 for more information.

Justice For All - Accessing the Promise

2008-05-16T00:02:00.004-05:00

Watch Justice For All- Accessing the Promise.

Waiting To Be A Victim

2008-05-04T15:01:00.004-05:00

Gas prices are so high that you didn't fill up. You have a very late unexpected errand. Your car runs out of gas, you are stranded in the dark, in an unknown neighborhood. Are you going to wait to see if something is going to happen? You could have prevented this dangerous situation by being proactive in a number of ways but if it did happen, you aren't going to wait to be a victim.

Waiting to be a victim is what most Americans are doing today. One of the greatest threats is to your security. Believe it or not, you have little or no control over your personal information.

You protect your information but what about the other places where your information is stored. How many stored web sites, servers, online shopping, laptops, numerous areas on and off line at your job.

Don't forget printed material with your information located at your bank, school, doctor's office, insurance agent, and government agencies. The Educational and Medical industries have the highest incidence of identity theft. Hospitals often fail to notify patients of data breaches.

Still send out snail mail for bills, cards, or just to keep in touch. Are you sure that your envelope is shredded? Do you have a free standing mailbox? Don't forget to put your flag up so the thief will know when "mail's up."

You wouldn't risk losing your life or money in an unknown neighborhood. Why wait to be a victim, be proactive. Get protected with an Identity Theft Protection Plan and learn about five types of identity theft. Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

CPAs, Break Out The "Wet Ones"

2008-04-27T13:54:00.004-05:00

All Certified Public Accountants, or hope to be CPAs, may soon start carrying along a pack of "Wet Ones" on the way to the certification office.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has a new program where fingerprints will be taken and stored on anyone seeking certification.

This process should be a huge privacy concern in today's atmosphere of identity theft.

Another major concern is that ChoicePoint Corp will store the data. The same ChoicePoint Corp that was fined $15 million by the Federal Trade Commission in 2006. To make matters worse, ChoicePoint has been "aquired" by a foreign corporation. U.S. Laws, Rules and Regulations do not apply to non U.S. businesses and companies.

Don't take take the chance with your fingerprints "being lifted", call 888-588-5648 to learn how to get your identity protected now.

Auto Dealers And The Red Flag Rule

2008-04-26T22:27:00.005-05:00

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented laws which make Auto Dealers subject penalties and fines under Federal Laws and Rules concerning Identity Theft.

The FTC has published a pamphlet for Car Dealers and the Privacy Rule.

These laws become logical after reading this story of identity theft at Houston dealer two years ago.

This MSN story supports the laws.

All businesses must comply with new Federal Red Flag Rules by November 1, 2008. Car dealers, mortgage brokers, and insurance brokers are targeted with special pamphlets written by the FTC specific to their industries.

Contact 888-588-5648 for more information concerning the Red Flag Rules and your business liability.

Schools, Healthcare Facilities, Financial Institutions, and of course, Military.

2008-03-29T09:39:00.005-05:00

February started out very slow with only five breaches from February 1 - 11, 2008. The topic of "One A Day" showed January to be a very profitable month for identity theft thieves as posted on January 31, "Six Data Loss Breaches Since January 28, 2008".

With such good fortune in January, thieves laid low for eleven days. February 12 - 29 there were fifteen data losses.

Notable Losses in February were:

February 16, 2008 - Texas A&M University. The data leak affects 3,000 current and former employees from three agencies.

February 25, 2008 - Mecklenburg County North Carolina 400 Accounts. The County drafts money from customer's bank accounts.

February 27, 2008 - Health Net Federal, Rancho Cordova, California. 103,000 doctors in Wisconsin and ten other states had their social security numbers posted on a web site. Health Net Federal is a government contractor that deals with health insurance for military families and veterans.

In March there has been about eighteen losses. Notable losses for March include:

March 5,2008 - 109 job seekers had their personal information lost by Nevada Department of Public Safety .

March 19, 2008 - 40,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York members information has been missing since November 2007.

March 12, 2008 - Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Personal information of 10,000 applicants and students, including 6,600 Social Security numbers and 500 Harvard ID numbers.

March 23, 2008 - Western Carolina University. 555 social security numbers of graduates who had signed up for a newsletter.

March 24, 2008 - National Institutes of Health. 2,500 volunteers of a heart study program had years worth of their clinical trials and other personal information lost.

March 26, 2008 - CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield dental HMO. Social Security numbers, of about 75,000 members on a public web site.

March 26, 2008 - A Pittsburgh shareholder services firm lost 3,500 names, social security numbers, and possibly bank accounts numbers. BNY Mellon also serves Maryland clients.

March 28, 2008. Antioch University. Yellow Springs, Ohio, Seattle Washinton;, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California, and Keene, New Hampshire. 70,000 records three times last year. Breached records were from as far back as 1996.

In most of these breaches, the company may state something like they do not think the information that was lost has been used. Can a victim really be sure?

Find out more information on identity theft and your identity, call 888-588-5648.

Be Proactive with Red Flags

2008-03-17T08:33:00.007-05:00

News Federal laws have gone in effect on January 1, 2008 the "Red Flag" laws carry a deadline of November 1, 2008.

Your business is affected. A recording of the overview of these laws can be heard at
800-634-1327. The new law requires that ALL businesses must train their employees, appoint a security officer in writing, and have a security policy in place.

Just like OSHA and HIPAA, these Federal laws are not optional. Small business without employees are not exempt.

Be sure that any policy that you have in place covers these laws, especially if your policy was done prior to January 1, 2008.

Business information may be found here . Small business information may be found here.

Schedule a no cost consultation to learn if your business qualifies for a special program at no direct cost to your company, 888-588-5648.

Now You Can Get Your Very Own Military ID Card

2008-03-03T17:44:00.006-06:00

On March 3, 2008, WISN.com reported that the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Milwaukee's WI, lost 10 to 12 used Military ID cards, and a laptop that is used to make Military IDs. The laptop can be used to process about 200 cards that were lost at the same time. Find out more about identity theft and active duty fraud alerts by calling, 888-588-5648.

Are You A Loyal Bank Customer?

2008-02-29T23:05:00.005-06:00

The Center for Law and Technology at the University of California, Berkeley released the results of a study concerning annual incidents of Identity Theft.

The Center performed a three month study in 2006 using consumer complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against top banks, top utilities and retail merchants.

If you bank with Bank of America, they have the honor of being number one of the lot in the consumer complaints.

Maybe Bank of America tried to remedy their problems by handling identity theft issues as found in this case.

Next in order of consumer identity theft complaints were AT&T, Sprint/Nextel, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Capital One. No credit unions were found in the top 25.

The data is two years old but identity theft continues to worsen. It is just a matter of time. How long have you been loyal to being unprotected? Learn more about identity theft and how to protect yourself at 888-588-5648.

Here's My Social Security Number, Take It.

2008-02-20T23:24:00.005-06:00

On February 13, 2008, Experian is suing the identity theft prevention firm LifeLock.

Experian claims that all three services that LifeLock offers are free.

LifeLock stops junk mail, pre-approved credit card offers, and it offers a copy of their credit report for $10 a month.

Can what LifeLock offers to their clients really be done for free?

Let's break down the three services.

Stop junk mail. Contact the Credit Bureaus Opt-Out Line. Call 888-567-8688 or (888-5-OPT-OUT). You have to call from your home telephone to crosscheck with your address.

Stop preapproved credit-card offers. To stop pre-approved credit card offers and insurance offers visit http://www.optoutprescreen.com. This service is part of a joint venture with Equifax and others.

The free credit report? The FACTA law allows everyone to a free credit report once a year.

The above three services that LifeLock offers can be done for free but what about the fraud alerts that they also offer.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, fraud alerts can only be requested by the individual consumer or an individual acting on behalf of the consumer. In the article, Experian claims that "The FCRA does not permit the placement of an initial fraud alert by corporations such as LifeLock," the lawsuit reads. "

For more information on the LifeLock-Experian experience, click here.

Call 888-588-5648 for the expert protection in identity theft.

Your Business Deadline is November 1 2008.

2008-02-20T21:23:00.007-06:00

Businesses must now have reasonable policies and procedure s designed to detect, prevent and mitigate the risk of identity theft.

Businesses can not escape its obligation to the law. Businesses must ensure that anyone that they share information also have reasonable policies and procedures designed to detect, prevent and mitigate the risk of identity theft.

Examples of agencies that a company would share information include who handles insurance, benefits, payroll, contractors, or other third party relationships.

What if the company does not comply by the deadline of November 1, 2008?

Simple, theses laws do not have statutory limitations.

The penalties may be be fines, imprisonment, civil and criminal lawsuits.

Become proactive by clicking here, the government can not catch the thieves,so businesses and companies are being held responsible. Don't take the chance oflosing your business, your family legacy, or your freedom.

Short Month, No Shortage Of Data Losses

2008-02-14T20:25:00.006-06:00

February started out pretty slow with data breaches. January had virtually one data breach per day. The quiet February has now started to catch up.

As of Valentine's Day, there have been 10 data loss breaches. Information of approximately 400,000 were lot just in the month of February. Be reminded that these losses are "reported
losses", many breaches go unreported.

On February 14, 2008 A Hilton Head Island, South Carolina hospital released that a former employee of Tenet Healthcare Corp has access to 37,000 patient's information.

Another breach on February 13, 2008 reported 1,500 past and current students of Middle Tennessee State University may be compromised due to a computer left unattended.

Memphis Tennessee. Information on 321,000 donors to Lifeblood, Mid-South Regional Blood
Center are at risk as far back as 1990. Two computers went missing on January 4, 2008.

Tax forms to students, the 1098-T "Tuition Statement" form, were damaged by the U.S. Postal Service. Long Island University in New York had used faulty envelopes. Putting 25,000 to 30,000 are at risk on February 12, 2008.

Modesto City Schools in California reported a third party data breach on February 12, 2008. Systematic Automation Inc. in Fullerton lost 3,500 of City School employee records to burglary.

A special education technician had a Jeffco Public School laptop stolen from a home. The laptop contained information on 2,900 special education students in Colorado.

Major League Soccer has an online store, MLSgear.com. The web site was compromised due to server problems of a third party provider to MLSgear.com. 169 New Hampshire residents may be affected.

While traveling, an employee of Memorial Hospital in South Bend lost a laptop. An American Airlines flight attendant took the laptop because there was no room.The laptop went missing with 4,300 full and part-time employees and retirees information.

Click here to review data loss breaches for January 2008.

Call 888-588-5648 to learn more about protecting your identity.

Justice for All- Accessing the Promise.

2008-02-13T15:08:00.006-06:00

Once again the monthly series of the Justice System is being profiled on tru TV on Saturday, February 16th. Next installment on March 22, 2008.

The monthly series highlights different aspects of the legal system. The topics that are discussed may range from individuals and families to companies and businesses, concerning laws and equal justice.

The December 2007 installment profiled a story found in the heart of rural America. An African American Sheriff who was fired from his position was able to exercise his legal rights. He went on to being elected Mayor of the same city.

The December 2007 "Justice for All- Accessing the Promise" program also included an endorsement by the National Black Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Harry C. Alford.

Article from the National Black Chamber of Commerce by clicking.

Know your rights and how to obtain equal and affordable justice.

Tune in to truTV
Saturday, February 16th
Please check local listings for program tru TV channel in your area.

11:30am Eastern
10:30am Central
9:30am Mountain
11:30am Pacific

Once Again , You Do Not Have Any.

2008-02-08T08:27:00.001-06:00

"If You Don't Know Your Rights, You Don't Have Any."

Along with that, you may not have any justice. Especially if you can not afford an attorney and are charged with a crime, you may end up in an tragic situation. Unfortunate events can happen to people who fall into the Justice System without some form of representation.

This brings up the case of Bryant Wilkerson from Phoenix Arizona. Wilkerson, a 28 year old postal worker, now faces multiple felony charges. He has already spent months in maximum security at a county jail with his bail set at $54,000 and faces 21 years in prison for the charges against him, his prior record contained only fender benders.

The story can be found in the Phoenix New Times by clicking here.

Find out more information on access to your attorney and Motor Vehicle representation in the event of a tragic accident. If Wilkerson had access to his attorney, especially at the time that this tragic event occurred, he would be in a completely different situation at this time in the legal process.

Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals

2008-02-07T17:48:00.002-06:00

With the real estate industry being
so unstable, some real estate and
mortgage professionals may be looking
for extra income.

This is Identity Theft month. Please have real estate,
mortgage, or business people that you know call
800-634-1327 for information on new Federal laws on
Identity Theft that were just released on January 1,2008.

Call 888-588-5648 to help your clients with the identity
theft and build a legacy for your loved ones.

What Has The ESP Stimulated ?

2008-02-06T21:09:00.001-06:00

The Economic Stimulus package was presented by the White House last month. The Stimulus would give most tax filers refunds of $600 to $1,200 and more if they have children.

Many thieves have already begun to take advantage of the Economic Stimulus program.

Time is of the essence for the thieves to obtain your information. There are many ways that a thief can get your information. There have been telephone calls and emails requesting that you visit a web site or send your personal information through an email.

Thieves have also begun searching public record sites.

Public record sites have quite a bit of your personal information, your telephone number, date of birth and many times your social security number. This information exposes whether you own a home, pay your real estate taxes, or have ever filed for bankruptcy.

Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you've initiated the contact. Companies that you have a relationship with have the information they need and will not ask you for it.

Be careful of ways that thieves do not have to contact you directly.

Be careful to keep watch on your wallets and purses and your mail.

Be careful if you move, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks and tax information may still go to your old address.

Shred before you put your information in the trash.

Beware of whom has your information. A thief may pay an employee of a company for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services or credit.

Order a copy of your credit report. Review it carefully for errors.

You do not have the time or expertise to put measures in place to protect you and your family's identity call 888-588-5648 to learn about a credit protection service that can put the appropriate measures in place to preserve your good name, credit and assets.

Continuing Legal Education

2008-02-02T21:16:00.001-06:00

American Prepaid Legal Services Institute announced a CLE program that takes place on Feburary 15th, 2008. American Prepaid Legal Services Institute is an affiliate of the American Bar Association.

This course is for lawyers who provide prepaid legal services. About 80,000 lawyers in the United States serve as prepaid plan lawyers.

Legal plans typically offer certain services for a fixed monthly charge such as legal advice and consultation, debt collection, contract review, letter writing, trial defense, will preparation, and other services as outlined in the plan.

Call 888-588-5648 for more information.

One A Day

2008-02-02T11:37:00.002-06:00

Be sure to take your vitamins once a day, but having a data loss breach once a day is getting out of hand.

There has been at least one data loss breach per day in 2008. February had two occurrences this month.

February 2, 2008. United States Marine Corps Japan.
4,000 clients of Marine Corps Community Services' New Parent Support Program. The stolen laptop contained names, ranks, social security numbers, dates of birth, children's names and mailing addresses. These were from U.S. military service members, U.S. government employees and Status of Forces Agreement personnel on Okinawa and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

February 2, 2008. Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island.
Lost computer contained personal information on about 5,000 current and former Catholic school employees.

The last two breaches of January occurred on January 31st.

January 31, 2008. University of Minnesota's Reproductive Medicine Center, Minnesota.
Lost flash drive containing private medical histories of 3,100 patients going back to 1999.

January 31, 2008. Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina.
Names and Social Security numbers of around 400 state health department workers.

Who will lose your information? Maybe they already have. Call 888-588-5648 for more information on identity theft.

Six Data Loss Breaches Since January 28, 2008

2008-02-02T10:06:00.001-06:00

Six data breach losses in six days. Your identity is not safe, it is a matter of "when" not "if" your identity is stolen.

January 31, 2008. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Names and Social Security numbers of around 400 Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, Greenville and Pickens county state health department workers.

January 30, 2008. Davidson Companies, Great Falls Montana.
Names and Social Security numbers of 226,000 current and former clients of Great Falls financial service.

January 29, 2008. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
300,000 members names, social security numbers and other personal information.

January 29. 2008. Wake County Emergency Medical Services North Carolina.
Names, addresses and Social Security numbers of 850 patients transported by county ambulances.

January 29, 2008. Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
40,000 Georgetown students, alumni, faculty and staff social security numbers from 1996-2006.

January 28, 2008. T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Baltimore Maryland.
CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services of Severna Park Maryland prepares 5500 forms for T. Rowe Price. 35,000 current and former clients in "several hundred" plans, names and Social Security numbers were lost by CBIZ.

Most of these companies have offered a one-year subscription to a credit monitoring service to affected clients.
All of the companies state that they do not feel the loss will comprimise anyone's information. Read the "We Do Not Believe Anyone's Personal Information Was Compromised" blog by clicking here .

Thousands of unnecessary dollars are being spent because these companies did not have the identity programs in place mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that pertain to all size businesses.

Credit monitoring is a minor loss for the company. Companies incur other major losses. There is a loss of productivity resulting in a decrease in profits to the company due to employees taking time off to clear any problems that may result
from the theft.

Loss of customers and also lawsuits that may be filed by customers.

The most devastating loss comes from class actions suits filed by State and Federal Agencies. One of the new federal laws has "no statutory limitations".

TJX-owned stores exposed 45 million credit cards and accounts in July 2005.
TJX Cos. is now facing $40.9 million in a settlement to Visa. This settlement does not include other banks or credit card agencies that have lawsuits against TJX Cos.

Companies need to be proactive and not reactive in dealing with identity theft. The time, the money, the losses, and the victims along with the business can be devastated beyond repair.

Call 888-588-5648 for more information on identity theft or if you feel that you may be a victim of a data loss breach.